Damien makes a difference at Fullarton

Ask a Living Choice Fullarton resident what they love about living there and invariably the answer will be one word – “Damien’s”, the name affectionately given to the on-site restaurant and cafe, “Damien on Fisher” incorporating Hudsons Coffee.

Damien’s has been receiving high praise from the residents since it opened at 123 Fisher Street in late December last year, but now it is being acclaimed by the wider community too.

The restaurant is regularly used by members of the Unley Rotary Club, the Unley Probus Club, the Beef, Steak & Burgundy Club as well as for birthday parties, wedding anniversaries and board meetings. It was also the perfect venue for the annual Concordia College Cabaret and the Rocking Winter in Christmas event held to raise funds for Variety, the Children’s Charity.

Owner Damien Hein has always been passionate about food, having started his chef apprenticeship at the young age of 14. He completed his apprenticeship four years later, became a head chef at 21 and owned a restaurant at age 24.

Recently, the restaurant was named as a finalist in the category Best New Restaurant, Suburban South & East, in the 2015 Savour Australia Restaurant & Catering’s Awards for Excellence in South Australia. The Awards are the most authoritative guide to Australia’s best restaurants and caterers and with more than 500 trained judges and 1500 entrants nationally, set the national benchmark.

The residents are very proud of the restaurant too and love popping down to the ground floor of the leisure centre to enjoy a cuppa while they read the newspaper, or catch up with friends for lunch or dinner.

Damien has 11 staff members, including fellow chef John Liow who has worked with Damien for the past eight years. “We love the residents here – everyone is so friendly and welcoming. They feel like family”, said Damien. “My time here so far has been amazing. What a great opportunity to work side by side with Living Choice – I’m having the time of my life!”

Damien on Fisher is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily and welcomes visitors and group bookings. For more information about the restaurant, see damienonfisher.com